Moderator: Mr. Peter Kadzere – CEO, Smartvest Wealth Managers Panelists: Mr. Dayford Nhema – Director of Industrial Development, Ministry of Industry and Commerce; Eng. Macheka Machumairi – Director of Quality Assurance, Ministry of Industry and Commerce; Ms. Eneida Fernandes - Country Manager, World Bank Zimbabwe; Mrs. Sara Moyo - Senior Partner, Honey & Blanckenberg; and Mr Ephraim Chawoneka – Managing Director, STF Capital.

The 2023 State of Industry and Commerce Survey was carried out between June and October 2023. These Panelists had positive words to say about the Report. Mr Ephraim Chawoneka was drawn to the table which provided reasons for low-capacity utilization. Of interest was the lack of adequate skills in a case of comparison in which average capacity utilization within the education sector rose from 53% in 2022 to 80% in 2023.

The ZNCC President, Mr Mike Kamungeremu, welcomed delegates to the 2023 Business Review Conference and highlighted that while all key stakeholders work towards transforming economic realities into market opportunities, awareness of the state of the economy helps guide decision-making and such information is necessary regularly.

The Governor was in strong support of the ZNCC State of Industry and Commerce Survey.

The ZNCC CEO, Mr Christopher T. Mugaga, introduced the Business Review Conference and the State of Industry and Commerce Survey Report concepts to the delegates.

Prof. Albert Makochekanwa who was the Consultant for the 2023 ZNCC Annual State of Industry and Commerce Survey presented on the Survey Results.

The energetic Director of Ceremonies and Past President of the Chamber, Mr Tamuka Macheka called the room to order at 0900 hours and warmly welcomed delegates to the 2023 Business Review Conference.

Prof. Ashok Chakravarti (Chief Advisor to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion) provided the delegates with a brief overview of the policy thrust that the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion is currently taking.